As I was waiting for the Devils to begin their late practice at the St. Pete Times Forum, general manager Lou Lamoriello walked in alongside defenseman Anssi Salmela.

A few moments later, the Devils announced that Salmela has been recalled from Lowell (AHL). In 36 games at Lowell this season, Salmela had 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) and 41 penalty minutes. He was minus-6.

"He's been playing very well in Lowell," Lamoriello told me. "With Paul's (Paul Martin) soreness, and not knowing day-to-day, what (Salmela) brings offensively gives Brent (Sutter) another option. He brings more offense. He can certainly add to the power play."

Martin will miss Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning because of upper body soreness. He is on the trip, but just for treatment.

In 15 games with the Devils earlier this season, Salmela had 0-3-3 and was plus-2. The Finnish defenseman has worked hard at improving his game in the minors. Devils' instructors Larry Robinson, Scott Stevens and Jacques Laperriere have all worked with Salmela in Lowell this season.

"I don't think there's any player who does himself a disservice by playing in the minors and learning," Lamoriello said. "And with the coaching, Larry, Jacques Laperriere and Scotty Stevens, how could you ask for more than that? We have an outstanding crop of young defensemen in the minors."

Lamoriello said the move was not made because the Devils have allowed nine goals-against in the last two games, but because of Martin's questionable status. Martin is suffering from an upper body muscle pull that has been bothering him for some time.